Thesis Writing Experiences of Post Graduate Students at the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the thesis writing experiences of
graduate students in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature,
College of Humanities, Language Studies and Journalism and Communication,
Addis Ababa University. Specifically, the research looked into research
knowledge and skills graduate students brought with them to the theses writing
task, the challenges they encountered in the process of writing the thesis, and the
underlying reasons that accounted for the challenges. Following Tan (2007), the
study employed a qualitative research approach, narrative inquiry, to explore the
actual experiences of students. The participants of the study were graduate
students enrolled in 2010-11 academic year and subsequently defended their
theses successfully. Out of the 157, 43 students selected using random sampling
filled in the questionnaire. Of the 43 students, 11 were randomly sampled for a
focus group discussion. The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaire
was analyzed in conjunction with the qualitative data. The findings showed
prominent problems that ranged from selecting topics to organizing contents and
expressing these in acceptable language. Stating research problems in clearer
terms and drawing research objectives and questions from them; producing a
well-documented literature review; linking up coherently the different components
of a research work and building a coherent and cohesive text were challenges
students faced. The qualitative data obtained from the FGD and the questionnaire
also revealed that students experienced frustrations, dissatisfaction, uncertainties
and moments of satisfaction and achievements. The underlying causes included
the knowledge, skills and attitude the students brought with them for the task, the
inadequate support system they were provided with, and the time frame within
which they had to work. Recommendations that would help in addressing the
problems are forwarded.